Pelham board adopts Code of Conduct, denies transport appeals and approves on-site mental health clinic

The Pelham Union Free School District Board of Education on Aug. 26 adopted the district—ode of Conduct for the 2025 nd'026 school year, denied four student transportation appeals and approved a consent agenda that includes an extension of the Student Assistance Services contract to stand up an on-site mental health clinic at Pelham Memorial High School.

The actions were taken during a brief business meeting that immediately preceded the board nnual building tour. Board members recessed the meeting to open and close a public hearing on the draft district safety plan; no members of the public spoke during the hearing.

Board adoption of the Code of Conduct updates the student handbook and incorporates new connected internet device policies included in the July draft. The board voted unanimously to approve the code as presented in July, with no additional amendments at the Aug. 26 meeting.

Board members also took action on several personnel and operational items through two consent agendas. The first consent package (agenda items 6.1through6.6) included routine disposals of equipment, the district-wide safety plan as presented for immediate use pending a state-mandated revision, and an extension of the Student Assistance Services contract so the district can launch a school-based mental health clinic while funding is moved to BOCES later in the year. The board approved the consent items by unanimous vote.

On the mental-health item, district staff told the board that…